Pilaf originated in Persia; the word refers to any rice dish in which the rice is sautéed in a little oil or butter and then simmered with seasoned liquid. Variations take off from there—this version combines springtime herbs, asparagus and crab for a delectable main-dish pilaf. Serve with a glass of iced tea and a tossed salad.

Don’t be surprised if you start humming the jingle about the San Francisco treat while you’re eating this herb-infused pilaf. Quick-cooking shrimp and tender baby lima beans turn this side dish into a quick main course. Not a lima lover? Try frozen shelled edamame instead. Serve with steamed or roasted asparagus.

Wild rice is intensely aromatic so it’s a great match for the bold flavors of saffron and Madeira in this wild rice pilaf recipe. Roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts studded on top give it a festive look and help make it filling enough for a vegetarian main dish.

Pilaf is usually made with rice plus nuts, fruit, vegetables or even meat. In our healthy pilaf recipes, we create traditional pilaf recipes, including brown rice pilaf recipes and wild rice pilaf recipes, but we also have bulgur pilaf recipes, orzo pilaf recipes, barley pilaf recipes, couscous pilaf recipes and other new ideas for pilaf. Try our Butternut & Barley Pilaf as an accompaniment to chicken or pork or enjoy Rice Pilaf with Shrimp for a low-calorie dinner recipe for pilaf.